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Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!

Gion stroll

Calling all the Seafood Lovers!

Fushimi Inari

Dragons of the Void

You’ll even get to meet the famous okami

Your Best 4 Hours in Kyoto!

Nishiki Market has so many items to try

Smiles all day on this fun tour!

Gion stroll

Nishiki Market

The Ultimate Japanese Omlet

Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!

Highlights

Joined 2025

Nikki K.

5.00 / 5

(9 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Nikki K.)

Up to 6 people

This is a special private tour that can be fully customized to your interests — from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden gems loved by locals.

I’ll take you to Kyoto’s special spots, sharing local tips and warm hospitality along the way.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Meet at Kyoto Station

- For the most time efficient start, I recommend meeting at Kyoto Station (Central Exit). But if you prefer, I can also meet you at your hotel. Please note that pick-up may not be possible from some hotels depending on their location.

08:30 AM

Fushimi-Inari Taisha

One of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding through the forest. Dedicated to the god of prosperity, it's a beautiful and spiritual place to explore on foot.

09:50 AM

Gion -The heart of Kyoto’s Geisha(Maiko) Culture

I’ll share the fascinating and little-known world of geisha culture — including the differences between maiko (apprentice) and geiko (fully trained geisha) — in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

10:20 AM

Kyoto's oldest Zen Temple - Under the Gaze of the Twin Dragons

Kennin-ji is known for its calm atmosphere and stunning artwork. One highlight is the dramatic twin dragon ceiling painting, a powerful modern masterpiece that seems to come alive as you gaze up from the main hall.

11:10 AM

Nishiki Market-Kyoto’s Colorful Kitchen and Shopping Paradise

Nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a lively, historic arcade packed with local eats, sweets, and traditional ingredients.

Beyond the food, nearby streets offer crafts, souvenirs, and trendy shops—perfect for strolling, tasting, and shopping all at once.

Ending Point

Tour ends at Nishiki Market

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide Fee

What‘s not included

Public transportation fees (from 370 yen per person).

Temple＆Shrine entrance fees(800 yen per person)

Meals or refreshments during the tour

or any other personal expenses are not included.

**At many sites,my official Guide license allows me to enter free of charge.

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

* This tour is wheelchair accessible.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

My days off vary each week, so I can't specify a fixed day I'm available, but I'm flexible and can adjust to your request.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Nikki K.

5.00 / 5

(9 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Nikki K.

I'm a Certified English Interpreter Guide accredited by Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu cities — top performer in Kyoto's official training program and selected for Japan’s elite government project for VIP luxury travel.

Having lived in 7 countries for 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S. (California, New York, and Texas) — I bring a truly global perspective and deep cultural understanding to every tour.

A descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” I was raised with a strong appreciation for history and the bushido spirit.

Before becoming a guide in Japan, I worked as a licensed NYC tour guide, British Airline flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter — all roles focused on connecting with people and sharing cultures.

I love showing my guests not only Japan’s must-see landmarks but also hidden local gems off the beaten path.

I mainly guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Tokyo upon request.

From fun street food adventures to refined cultural and luxury experiences, I design each private tour to match your interests and create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime.

I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true heart of Japan!

Reviews

Eric L.

5 / 5

Dec 3, 2025

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Dec 3, 2025

Osaka

8 hours

“Easy Day in Kyoto from Osaka”

Exploring Kyoto with Nikki was a deeply memorable experience. She revealed the city’s many layers—guiding me from the quiet beauty of Kiyomizu Temple to the historic streets of Gion, and into shops that matched my own curiosities. When I mentioned my son wanted a sword as a souvenir, she immediately looked up local sword shops and suggested one conveniently close to where we were walking, which made the day feel even more personalized. Her choice of a wonderful lunch spot added another dimension, giving me a taste of the city’s culinary traditions. The day left me with not just beautiful sights, but a lasting appreciation of Kyoto’s character. Highest recommendation from me.

Nikki K.

Thank you so so much Eric for your wonderful review and amazing photos! Having guided you the day before,I was able to get a better understanding of what you like and what interests you. Because of that, I could show you the places I thought you would truly enjoy, and I am very happy to hear that you did!Knowing that you enjoyed my guiding means so much to me and is my greatest motivation. I hope you continue to enjoy every momrnt of your special trip!

Eric L.

5 / 5

Nov 28, 2025

Nara Day Trip : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer, Timeless Charm & A Craft to Take Home

Nov 28, 2025

Osaka

8 hours

“Spectacular Day in Nara”

Nikki gave me an unforgettable private tour of Nara, perfectly adjusting the pace to match both my feedback and what she observed throughout the day. Her warmth and deep knowledge brought Todai-ji’s Great Buddha, the sacred deer of Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and more vividly to life—including stops at shops I was curious about and an amazing lunch spot she selected. Exploring Nara with Nikki felt less like a formal tour and more like discovering the city with a trusted friend. Don’t wait—book Nikki today and make your Nara visit extraordinary!

Nikki K.

Thank you so much Eric for your lovely review with wonderful photos. While we were talking throughout the day, I could really sense your interest in major historical architecture and how much you enjoy taking your time with good meals. So I tried to tailor the tour a little with that in mind, so I’m really happy to hear it worked well for you. Knowing my guest had a great time truly makes my day! Enjoy the rest of your stay, and I hope it leads you to even more wonderful discoveries!

Mark J.

5 / 5

Nov 28, 2025

Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!

Nov 28, 2025

Kyoto

5 hours

“Outstanding Tour of Japanese Samurai History and Culture”

Nikki-san provided me a customized tour of several sites in some of the more obscure parts of Kyoto at my request. This included the former residence of the leader of the famous 47 Ronin, which is a location only available by advanced arrangement. She also describe her families Samurai history, and we had discussions covering Japanese history from the 1500's to 1800's. I also enjoyed the general discussions we had on the tour that covered a variety of topics. I highly recommend Nikki-san to anyone who wants a guide in Japan -- she is the best!

Nikki K.

Thank you so much Mark-san for your wonderful comments and the great review(and photos!)—it truly made my day! Since you’re a repeat visitor to Kyoto, prefer to avoid the major tourist spots, and have a real love for history, I tried to craft a special route with some hidden historical gems. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed it. By the time you visit Japan again, I’ll be sure to have another exciting “surprise route” ready for you! Thank you once again!